Video analysis of throwing techniques in Collegiate Shot-Put athletes: A visual exploration of throwing styles and performance factors

Abstract

The present study delves into the realm of collegiate shot-put athletes' throwing techniques, aiming to undertake a comprehensive comparative video analysis of various throwing styles. The primary objective is to visually explore these athletes' diverse throwing techniques and shed light on the critical performance factors associated with each style. By employing video analysis tools and techniques, this research intends to provide a detailed examination of the biomechanical nuances and body movements in different throwing methods. Through an extensive collection of video footage featuring collegiate shot-put athletes, the study will meticulously dissect and compare the variations in throwing techniques. The aim is to analyse the different types of throwing techniques used and the technique that produces the best result by collegiate shot-put athletes in and around Bangalore. 220 shot-put athletes of age group between 18-25 years, representing colleges from different Universities were approached to analyse their shot-put throwing technique with two high-definition cameras and analysed using Kinovea software. The mean rank for velocity was higher in the glide technique for both male and female athletes compared to the rotational technique. Male athletes with higher BMI used rotational technique in comparison to athletes with lower BMI, in female athletes with higher BMI used glide technique in comparison to athletes with lower BMI (p-0.0001.) Based on the results obtained from our study, the glide technique was the most prevalent technique used by collegiate athletes. The gliding technique showed better throwing distance than the rotational technique. The findings of this study hold the potential to offer valuable insights to coaches, athletes, and researchers in the field of shot-put training and sports biomechanics. The comparative video analysis approach provides a unique visual perspective that supplements the existing body of knowledge concerning shot put techniques.